This week the Parks and Recreation Department delivered several roll-off dumpsters, to include one to the Sheriff's Department to help them clean out a storage building. They repaired a broken light on the Activity Center, demolished several old concrete picnic tables at the lake, and put out ant killer at the baseball fields, soccer fields and playground areas. They also put out barricades in preparation for Trunk-r-Treat on the square this evening from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Contractors at the Animal Shelter continued to modify the Quarantine Facility in order to create additional kennel space for dogs at the shelter. We were also able to have two dogs adopted from the shelter. The Friends of the Shelter have scheduled a formal Ribbon Cutting for the Dog Park in February. The Friends of the Animal Shelter also participated at the Pumpkin Patch this past weekend.
I attended a meeting with TXDOT to discuss expansion of Hwy 380 from Jacksboro to the Young County line. Construction will begin in late 2026 and will provide "Super 2" passing lanes.
The Distribution and Collection Department helped Parks and Recreation demolish the picnic tables. They also replaced a fire hydrant on East Archer Street and obtained coordinates for several water meters so we can add them to our mapping system. The Distribution and Collection Department also responded to thirty-seven (37) service orders.
The Street Department spent most of the week repairing potholes in several areas around town. They also continued to work on Oakwood Street and Green Hill. Additionally, we have developed a plan to work on drainage ditches between S. 2nd and Green Hill beginning next week.
We held a Council Meeting on Monday that included a number of "routine" items. One item out of the ordinary, however, dealt with an Ordinance and a public announcement regarding the acceptance of a $22 Million Dollar loan from USDA to replace our current Water Treatment Plant. If anyone has any questions regarding this loan, I encourage them to contact City Hall.
Twin Lakes Activity Center will be closed beginning tomorrow until next Saturday (November 1st - November 8th) for a special event. If anyone has any questions, please contact City Hall.
Building Inspections and Code Enforcement completed seven (7) inspections this week.
This evening, Friday, October 31st, is Trunk-r-Treat on the square from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. We are anticipating a large crowd and invite everyone to attend prior to the Tigers football game.
As a reminder, don't forget to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday for the time-change.
Today, October 31st, is the last day of early voting.
The City of Jacksboro has an entry in the Chamber Chili Fest (Chili Dawgs) so we encourage everyone to attend the event and vote for the best chili (Chili Dawgs).
Upcoming Events:
Early Voting ends today, October 31, 2025
October 31, 2025: Trunk-r-Treat on the Square
November 8, 2025: Chamber of Commerce Chili Fest on the Square
December 4, 2025: Christmas Parade - the theme is "Christmas Through the Decades"
Our Employee Spotlight of the Week is Erica Garza. Erica works in Utility Billing and one of the "faces of the City" because she is one of the first people that everyone sees needs to pay a water bill, or needs to pay a driving ticket, or just has a question. Erica is also one of our most tenured employees. She is also a certified Municipal Court Clerk and assists our Municipal Court when needed.
Our next City Council meeting is November 10, 2025. As a reminder, we only have one Council meeting in November and December due to holidays.
Respectfully,
Mike S.
MICHAEL R. SMITH, Lt Col, USAF (ret)